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Two horses shot to death on Putnam County farm; $5K reward offered for information leading to arrest

PUTNAM COUNTY, Ind. -- A $5,000 reward is being offered for information leading to an arrest in the murder of two horses in Putnam County.

The Putnam County Sheriff says someone shot and killed the two horses, Kat and Mama, at a farm on N. US Highway 231 in Bainbridge on July 1.

The family found the horses the following morning.

Kat was a 6-year-old mare that belonged to Karen Ladwig Phillips' 15-year-old son.

"Kat was a beautiful kind and gentle soul. She loved everyone she met and believed herself to be a princess," Phillips, the horses' owner, said. "She had an extraordinary bond with her boy and often fell asleep on his shoulder or in his lap."

Mama was a 22-year-old mare who was retired from a reining career.

"The second mare we called Mama because she took care of everyone," said Phillips. "She had just adopted the little girl of her dreams and they were well on their way to becoming a phenomenal contesting team."

The Putnam County Sheriff says both horses were shot in the face.

They were both going to be shown later this month at the Putnam County Fair.

Phillips says they aren't sure whether this was a random act or if they were singled out, but regardless of the reason, her family is heartbroken over the loss of the two beautiful creatures.

"Why would anyone hurt them? They are gentle and kind," Phillips said. "They would have approached these people that were basically looking for treats or love, and got that, is just shocking to me."

Anyone with information on the person responsible should contact the Putnam County Sheriff's Office at 765-653-3211.